Key Takeaways:

• NATO has launched the “Baltic Sentry” mission in response to a sharp rise in damaged undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.
• At least 11 incidents of cable damage have been reported since October 2023, prompting heightened security measures.
• The alliance aims to deter potential attacks and protect essential energy and data infrastructure vital to Baltic economies.

ABOARD A FRENCH NAVY FLIGHT OVER THE BALTIC SEA — As the French Navy's long-range Atlantique 2 surveillance aircraft patrolled the Baltic Sea, its crew carefully monitored a cargo ship below, utilizing advanced technology to capture minute details such as smoke rising from its chimney. This surveillance is part of a broader NATO initiative to reinforce its guard against suspected sabotage of the region's underwater energy and data cables, a mission announced earlier this month by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Dubbed “Baltic Sentry”, this operation reflects NATO's urgent response to a recent uptick in cable damage incidents, with a worrying pattern emerging since October 2023.

The Baltic Sea serves as a crucial conduit for power, telecommunications, and gas, linking nine nations along its shores. Notable infrastructure includes the 94-mile Balticconnector pipeline between Finland and Estonia, the high-voltage Baltic Cable connecting Sweden and Germany, and the 729-mile C-Lion1 telecommunications cable running from Finland to Germany. The importance of these cables cannot be overstated, as they are responsible for transmitting over 97% of the world’s communications, including significant financial transactions. “In the last two months alone, we have seen damage to a cable connecting Lithuania and Sweden, and several others linking Estonia and Finland,” said Rutte, indicating the rising concern regarding the security of these vital links.

Recent months have seen at least 11 cases of damage reported, intensifying fears that foreign adversaries, particularly Russia, could be executing a campaign of “hybrid warfare” aimed at destabilizing European nations supporting Ukraine amid Moscow's ongoing invasion. Despite the lack of direct accusations against Russia, suspicions are on the rise, with Rutte emphasizing the implications of “hybrid” tactics, which may include sabotage and cyberattacks against critical infrastructure.

One such incident involved the oil tanker Eagle S, which Finnish authorities allege damaged the Estlink 2 power cable along with two other cables on December 25, 2023. This vessel is believed to be part of Russia's “shadow fleet” designed to sidestep sanctions. However, Western intelligence sources have noted that many of the cable damages attributed to maritime activity may have been accidental, the result of poorly maintained vessels and the dragging of anchors.

As reports of these incidents continue to emerge, NATO has reacted by increasing its military presence in the region. The alliance is deploying warships, drone systems, and maritime patrol aircraft as part of its surveillance efforts. The approach aims to deter illicit activities and fortify the security of undersea infrastructure that is significant for both regional and global communications.

“If we witness suspicious activities from ships at sea—for example, if they are anchored in positions they shouldn't be—we can monitor closely with our sensors,” noted Lieutenant Alban, commander on the surveillance flight. His crew is tasked with identifying and assessing potential threats posed by maritime activities, which have increased in complexity amid the current geopolitical environment.

This heightened vigilance surrounding the Baltic Sea cables highlights the delicate balance of ensuring security in the region while addressing a backdrop of potential threats. With NATO committed to observing and protecting critical subsea infrastructure, the alliance sends a strong message to both its member states and potential adversaries that it is prepared to respond decisively to any attempts at destabilization.

For additional insights on NATO's strategic responses, see the full report from Time, Newsweek, and LA Times.